Elton is the entertainment, once he knows you, you need to allow at least an hour for a coffee as he will monopolise you. Cherry in the kitchen is a star, as are the other “mums” who work there. Let down by a few of the “kids” who are really NOT good at their job. Food is great but some dishes have too much doorstop bread or rocket lettuce, and not enough of the good stuff. Given they have recently hiked their prices, need more of the meats etc and less of the fluff. Stunning cakes and always a lovely coffee, great place to stop and Tuakaus biggest asset – next to from Elton, of course :O)

Unfortunately my dining experience on Sunday was short opf the mark, the food was good but not value for money. I had French Toast etc. Meal consisted of 2 pieces of bread dipped in egg not left in long ehough, very chewy as a result one small rasher of bacon half a banana plate then filled with chopped fruit and covered in thick layer of Icing Sugar. Very disappointing as up until now have always enjoed this particular meal. Always pour my own “Maple” syrup.What has happened?

Great food, huge meals – def value for money. Awesome atmosphere and staff.
Soak Bar and Lounge – fantastic bar meals and drink prices.

great value for money, menu changes regularly love the cocktails in the funky new lounge bar (reminiscent of the gin palace in Melbourne) wonderful food full compliments to the chef!!

Kaos/Soak is a wonderful modern, stylish cafe/restaurant complete with contemporary art gallery. Great atmosphere, friendly and efficient service, superb food. Hubby and I recently had a meal there at Soak, limited menu but the food presented implied that they indeed do have great chefs, we were impressed. The cafe Kaos meets all expectations and is equal to any you could find in the big city with food that is simply tantalising. It is worth a weekend drive out to the country just to stop in Tuakau and have a meal at Kaos/Soak and visit the other shopping attractions that Tuakau has to offer, you will be pleasantly surprised.

As gay as a Maypole and twice as proud. The hosts are a delight to one and all and so is the food. We go for the banter and the onslaught of insults….but in the words of Kenny Everett the famous British comedian “It’s all done in the best possible taste!”
Tuakau = Kaos
Pukekohe = Monarch Cafe

Stick with these two fabulous haunts and you won’t go far wrong. Great food and lovely staff are the key.

Great food, service excellent!

FANTASTIC!

not a single complate. also soak next door (also owned by Elton and Stuwart) is fantastic.